The Comancheros

Based on a novel by Paul I. Wellman, The Comancheros stars John Wayne and Stuart Whitman as a Texas Ranger and roguish gambler, respectively. Reluctantly joining forces, Wayne and Whitman try to round up the "comancheros" -- renegade whites who've aligned with the Indians in smuggling guns and whisky. Ina Balin plays the daughter of comanchero chieftain Nehemiah Persoff, who rescues Stu and the Duke when they're captured by the renegades. After the anticipated climactic battle, Wayne allows Whitman and Balin -- fugitives from justice both--to ride into the sunset together. The last film directed by the estimable Michael Curtiz, The Comancheros is fine testosterone-laden entertainment. Keep an eye out for veteran western stars Bob Steele and Guinn "Big Boy" Williams in uncredited supporting roles. More than a few elements from The Comancheros would find their way into Sam Peckinpah's The Wild Bunch, albeit without the happy ending.